While reading a book, several thoughts come to mind regarding the visual setting of the environment, how the characters look, and how the intense story would play out in reality. Novelists like Nicholas Sparks, with works like The Notebook and A Walk to Remember, have particularly ignited a new perception towards love, passion, and romance, gaining popularity among readers of all ages and backgrounds.
Naturally, literature and cinema go hand-in-hand, with the former historically providing inspiration for the creation of the latter. Indeed, there have been countless book-to-film adaptations throughout film history, with romance being particularly noteworthy. Indeed, many romance films have become synonymous with hope and trust, while some reduce us to tears with their heart-wrenching endings. At any rate, romance can be as much a treat for the eyes through film as it can be for the imagination through words. Here are 8 romance book-to-film adaptations you should not miss.
Updated on August 19th, 2023 by Gargi Chatterjee: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
13 The Hating Game (2021)
Based on a novel by the same name by Sally Thorne, the 2021 movie The Hating Game is an office enemies to lovers romcom that has some pretty steamy undertones. Starring Lucy Hale as Lucy Hutton and Austin Stowell as Josh Templeman, the story starts out as two office rivals who try to one-up each other at every turn.
But when a chance of a promotion arrives, they make a bet that whoever fails to get the promotion will have to quit the office. Their rivalry turns into a sexually-charged romance that is extremely enjoyable to watch on screen. The story is funny and sweet and everything that a enemies-to-lovers romance needs to be.
12 The Fault in Our Stars (2014)
We would love to get heartbroken after watching this coming-of-age romance film. Adapted from John Green’s novel of the same name, The Fault in Our Stars follows Hazel Grace (Shailene Woodley), a 16-year-old cancer patient who joins a support group upon her parents’ request.
There, she meets Gus (Ansel Elgort), another patient, and through their tragedies, common interests, and magical connection, the two fall in love. Despite so much going on in their lives, Hazel and Gus show the positive side of falling in love, enjoying life, and how love can deeply affect one person. With this film adaptation, you'll experience the full gamut of romance: heartbreak, sadness, tragedy, as well, of course, as love, happiness, and excitement.
11 Jane Eyre (2011)
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Based on a timeless classic novel of 1847 by Charlotte Bronte, Jane Eyre is a romantic drama movie starring Michael Fassbender and Mia Wasikowska. The story follows a young orphaned woman named Jane Eyre, played by Mia, who is plagued by her bad childhood memories.
She ends up going to a place called Thornfield Hall where she falls in love with the master of the house Edward Rochester. Their romance, however, is not initially successful as Jane discovers a dark secret that Rochester tries very hard to keep from the world. Their romance is beautiful and heart-wrenching, while the element of thriller in the movie really completes the story.
10 One Day (2011)
Following the story by David Nicholls, One Day is a 2011 romantic film that showcases the friendship between Dexter (Jim Sturgess) and Emma (played by Anne Hathaway), who meet every year on July 15, the anniversary of their first meeting, to discuss the previous year they've had.
Over the course of 18 years, Emma and Dexter grow both closer and apart, ultimately learning that they have more to share with each other in one day than with the people presently in their everyday lives. One Day will introduce you to several ignored common issues people go through from their teenage to adult phase: indecisiveness of youth, not taking things seriously, choosing the wrong things, and stumbling your way through.
9 Love, Simon (2018)
Based on the novel Simon vs. the Homo Sapiens Agenda by Becky Albertalli, Love, Simon follows 16-year-old Simon (Nick Robinson), a closeted gay high school student, who is constantly struggling to balance life between his friends, family, and the blackmailer who is threatening to out him to the entire school. For a fairly simple guy, Simon has a lot going on in his life, including his quest to unravel the identity of the classmate he has fallen in love with and is currently exchanging secret emails with.
This romance book-to-film adaptation beautifully represents the struggles faced by teenagers who encounter discrimination and bullying. Simon’s journey toward happiness is wonderful, authentic, engaging, awkward, and truly captivating. Also starring Josh Duhamel and Jennifer Garner, Love, Simon is a must-watch.
8 To All the Boys I've Loved Before (2018)
If you are a fan of modern romcoms, chances are you have already watched or come across the To All the Boys trilogy available on Netflix. Based on the trilogy of novels by Jenny Han, the movies depict the love story between Lara-Jean Song Covey (Lana Condor) and Peter Kavinsky (Noah Centineo).
The first movie of the trilogy is To All the Boys I've Loved Before, where Lara-Jean's younger sister Kitty sends the old love letters that Lara-Jean wrote to the boys that she wrote them for. Peter, who gets a letter from her, asks her to be his fake girlfriend to make his ex jealous. Thus begins a very cute and romantic story that spans over three movies across various ups and downs of their lives. The movies also have a spin-off series named XO- Kitty, which is a story about Lara-Jean's younger sister.
7 A Walk to Remember (2002)
This 2002 coming-of-age romantic film received mixed reviews from the critics, however, in the eyes of the general audience, A Walk To Remember, an adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ novel, is one of the most romantic movies of all time. The film follows Jamie (Mandy Moore), a reverend's daughter and a top student.
Her life changes when she forms a friendship with Landon (Shane West), a rebellious high school senior, who, after pulling a life-threatening prank on a student, is sentenced to participate in community service and the school’s spring play. A Walk To Remember was initially cited as "bland" by critics for various reasons. However, audiences, particularly teenagers at the time, loved the movie. It even earned a spot on Us Weekly’s list of 30 most romantic movies of all time.
6 P.S. I Love You (2007)
P.S. I Love You, a film about loss and love, can be emotional, hopeful, strength, and happiness, in all. Based on the 2004 novel of the same name by Cecelia Ahern, centers around Holly (Hilary Swank), who, after the death of her beloved husband Gerry (Gerard Butler), starts receiving letters from him.
This changes her mourning self into a strong, loved, and happy woman, making her feel that he is right by her side at all times. The film will make you laugh and cry at the same time, while also providing you with a fresh perspective on life. In brief, P.S. I Love You is a comfort movie and will undoubtedly make you feel several emotions.
5 Crazy Rich Asians (2018)
Crazy Rich Asians, a 2018 movie adaptation of a book by Kevin Kwan is truly one of the cutest romcoms to have been released in the last few years. The story in itself is quite simple, Rachel Chu (Constance Wu) and Nicholas 'Nick' Young (Henry Golding) live in New York and are in love with each other.
When Nick invites Rachel to Singapore for his best friend's wedding, she discovers that Nick has been hiding a secret. His family is extremely wealthy, and they are very close to a modern-day royal family in Singapore. The two of them weather some storms together, and we also get to see some other amazing characters alongside them. Starring actors like Gemma Chan, Awkwafina and Michelle Yeoh, the movie is extremely entertaining, and the happy ending is just the cherry on top.
4 Me Before You (2016)
Me Before You, based on Jojo Moyes’ 2012 novel of the same name, follows Louisa (Emilia Clarke), a happy and cheerful girl who agrees to take on a job as the caretaker of Will (Sam Claflin), a blunt man with paralysis, and her life transforms as the two get close to each other and fall in love.
The film possesses the casual opposite-personalities couple, however, the alluring chemistry and connection between Louisa and Will will make you tear up many times. Although the ending is sad, it is pragmatic and beautiful as well, giving a wholesome feeling to its audience. It is definitely a must-watch feature for multiple reasons.
3 Pride and Prejudice (2005)
As one of the most famous Victorian romance novels, Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen has had a few adaptations on screen, but the most famous one has to be the 2005 movie Pride and Prejudice starring Kiera Knightley and Matthew Macfeyden in the roles of Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy.
This is one of the most well-known enemies-to-lovers romances where the protagonists initially do not like each other due to their behaviors. But when Elizabeth finds out that Mr. Darcy is in love with her, a lot of things start to change. One of the most celebrated and popular love stories of all time, this movie is a treat for those who enjoy slow-burn romances.
2 Call Me By Your Name (2017)
This 2017 coming-of-age romantic film is one of the best to ever release that year. Call Me By Your Name is adapted from the 2007 novel of the same name by Andre Aciman. It follows Elio (Timothee Chalamet), a teenager living in rural Italy, who starts to harbor feelings for his father’s 24-year-old assistant, Oliver (Armie Hammer).
Although their relationship lasts for a short time period of time, their romance is all-consuming and forever changes the pair. Considered one of the best movies of 2017, Call Me By Your Name is aesthetically pleasing, heartbreaking at times, and is complemented by the best soundtrack, featuring songs from Sufjan Stevens. On top of that, the raw love between Elio and Oliver helps the audience to generate a new take on love, relationships, and heartache.
1 The Notebook (2004)
Applauded by critics and audiences alike, The Notebook is a movie no romance buff should sleep on. It is Nicholas Sparks’ second novel adaptation on the list, and follows the love tale between Noah (Ryan Gosling) and Allison (Rachel McAdams), who, during the summer in the 1940s, meet for the first time and fall in love.
They get separated only to reunite again, but that’s not all. The Notebook dictates their love story from another angle that will reduce you to tears, make you believe in soulmates, and show what passionate romance looks like. The Notebook is the 15th highest grossing romantic drama of all time, and is also included in Us Weekly’s 30 most romantic movies of all time.